BAFTA Fellowship Winner Samantha Morton Dedicates Award to Children in Care

British actress and director Samantha Morton received the prestigious Bafta Fellowship and emotionally dedicated the award to children in care during her acceptance speech. The 46-year-old artist was presented with the accolade by producer David Heyman, with whom she collaborated on the film ‘Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them’.

Reflecting on the impact of cinema on her life, Morton expressed her gratitude, stating that this recognition was nothing short of a miracle. She recounted how watching Ken Loach‘s film ‘Cathy Come Home’ had a profound effect on her, emphasizing the importance of representation in media and storytelling.

Amidst heartfelt moments on stage, Morton shared her message to her younger self, encouraging perseverance and highlighting the transformative power of stories. She affirmed that film had played a crucial role in shaping her journey and ultimately leading her to this moment.

Notable figures such as Tom Cruise, Susan Lynch, Molly Windsor, and David Heyman paid tribute to Morton’s talent and dedication to her craft, with Heyman describing her as a rare and genuine artist.

In a poignant moment backstage, Morton criticized the current state of the children’s care system, highlighting the inefficiencies and the misuse of resources. Drawing from her personal experiences growing up in foster care, she emphasized the need for systemic changes to better support children in care.

Morton’s commitment to shedding light on the challenges faced by children in care was evident in her work, including the Bafta-winning TV drama ‘The Unloved’, which explores a young girl’s story within the system. Her dedication to advocating for positive change resonated strongly throughout her acceptance speech and subsequent remarks.